Assimilation and Integration: Finding Harmony in a Multicultural World

Dear Eme,

Before we dive deeper into this conversation, let’s define two important terms: integration and assimilation.

To integrate means to combine one thing with another to form a whole. In the context of migration, this means blending your cultural identity with that of the new country, creating a harmonious balance between both worlds.

On the other hand, assimilation often carries a negative connotation, but at its core, it simply means to fully absorb and understand new information or ideas. For immigrants, assimilation can be about taking in and understanding the laws, customs, and ideas of their new country while staying true to their values.

When people migrate to a new country, they bring everything that makes them who they are: their culture, beliefs, experiences, and way of life. These principles might only sometimes align with the customs of their new home. Therefore, to truly thrive, it often becomes necessary for immigrants to assimilate to absorb and understand their new country’s laws and customs and carve out a path that aligns with their moral compass while respecting the principles of their new homeland.

The Delicate Balance of Integration

The best way to integrate into a new society is by first understanding it. This means learning about the laws, customs, and social norms and combining the best parts of your culture with those of your new country. However, integration is not a one-size-fits-all solution. People interpret the same information differently. What might be considered acceptable behaviour in one culture could be seen as inappropriate or even illegal in another.

For example, what one culture may see as persistence, another might view as harassment. When I was growing up, it was common in my culture for a girl to “play hard to get” to avoid seeming “too easy.” A guy’s persistence was seen as a way of showing his seriousness. However, in other cultures—particularly in the West—this persistence could be considered harassment or even a crime. This is why it’s so important to understand your new country’s social norms and legal frameworks. When in doubt, always revert to what the laws of the land say.

Understanding, Not Assumptions

It’s crucial to remember that people are individuals. They come from different backgrounds and will do things differently. What you may assume to be the norm in your culture might be completely different in theirs. Therefore, understanding the law and the culture of the land is key to navigating this new environment. Laws provide a clear framework for what is acceptable and what isn’t, helping to prevent misunderstandings.

Tackling Crime Concerns: Education and Cultural Awareness

One of the most common concerns people raise about immigration is the perceived link to increased crime levels. However, it’s essential to approach this issue with facts and a measured perspective. According to UK government data, 14% of all crimes in England and Wales in 2019 were committed by foreign nationals, 14% too many but meaning native-born citizens commit the vast majority of crimes. Immigration and crime are often linked in public discourse, but the data does not support this sweeping assumption (Home Office, 2019).

A possible solution to ease these concerns could be the adoption of a system similar to the Life in the UK test for British citizenship. This test could be required of all legal immigrants and would ensure they understand their new country’s laws, cultural norms, and expectations. They could also take cultural education courses to address the common “culture shocks” that immigrants often experience when adapting to a new society.

This type of initiative could be organised and run by social enterprises, community groups, or charities. These organisations would be well-placed to help immigrants navigate the complexities of their new home and provide ongoing support as they integrate.

Education is the key here. Once immigrants fully understand the laws and customs of their new environment, they can better integrate and contribute to society. Sometimes, a lack of understanding or access to information creates barriers to successful integration.

The Slippery Slope of Religious Freedom

It’s one thing to educate immigrants about the laws and cultural values of their new country, but it’s another to try and restrict them from practising their religion. This is particularly problematic in countries without a strong religious identity. As developed democracies, we must be cautious not to slip into the same restrictive practices we often criticise in less democratic nations. Religious freedom is a fundamental right that must be upheld, even as we navigate the complexities of integration and assimilation.

Conclusion: Embracing the Multicultural Society

True integration requires understanding, openness, and respect—from both immigrants and their host countries. It’s not about forcing people to abandon their identities but rather about encouraging them to combine the best parts of their heritage with the opportunities of their new environment. By fostering education, cultural awareness, and respect for the laws of the land, we can create a more harmonious and inclusive society for all.